11. SUE MORONEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
Does she still stand by her statement to the House on 1 April 2009 that “Quality early childhood education and care is a high priority for the Government.”?
Hon ANNE TOLLEYDoes she stand by her July 2008 promise, with reference to Labour’s 20 hours free policy, when she said “We will retain all the existing subsidies and fee controls”, and will she repeat that promise now?
During the election campaign we promised to retain the 20 hours’ free early childhood education and we will not be breaking that promise.
What did she mean, then, when she told the Early Education Federation on 25 March that she “wants to work more on targeting the grant”?
I have always been very clear with the early childhood sector that we need to do better with the very large and growing amount of funding that is going into early childhood education. I have shared with the sector on a number of occasions that we are examining closely the cost drivers. The cost of early childhood education has almost trebled over the last 5 years—almost trebled. We are not necessarily getting the participation from the groups that would benefit the most.
How did she allow early childhood education to slip from being a high priority for her Government to now being included in the Minister of Finance’s definition of low-quality spending and up for Budget cuts?
I do not believe the Minister of Finance has ever said that. In fact, if members look at the six priorities for this Government, they will see that quality early childhood education is part of that. I heard the Minister of Finance talking just today about how much this Government values quality early childhood education.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
Does she agree with her statement to the New Zealand Herald on 29 January 2010 that evidence suggests that at least 20 hours of early childhood education per week from the age of 3 years provides the best support for future educational achievement; if so, how would the Government justify any changes to fee increases for parents?
I am not aware of the context of that statement; I do not have it in front of me. But this Government is committed to ensuring that early childhood education remains affordable and accessible.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
Does the Minister agree with Te Puni Kōkiri’s paper on mātauranga kōhungahunga Māori that participation in early childhood education can benefit children’s school readiness, result in improved learning, reduce antisocial behaviours, and possibly even improve health; if so, will the Government maintain its commitment that from 1 July 2010 all kōhanga reo and playcentres will also be eligible to offer 20 hours free early childhood education?